Compassionate people that enjoy helping others might be interested in a career as a community disability services practitioner. This fulfilling role allows you to customize your support to provide individuals and families with the care needed to maximize their quality of life and home living environment.
Helping someone manage their disability is a challenge that requires knowledge and commitment, but one that many find very rewarding. Learn more about the opportunity in this career profile.
What Do Community Disability Services Practitioners Do?
Understanding and supporting someone as they pursue their personal goals is highly rewarding. But what does the work actually look like? Here are some of the tasks and challenges that you would handle every day:
- Listen to and communicate with people despite communication challenges.
- Adapt to changing circumstances, new situations, and unique challenges.
- Understand someone else’s goals and work to help them achieve them.
- Directly work to improve or change the home environment.
- Advise and aid people in crisis or who face significant challenges.
- Explore and expand the lifestyle and options of clients.
- Help clients develop a support network.
- Provide direct support for personal care needs when required.
What Kind of Person Might Like to Do This Work?
There are several personal characteristics that might help you thrive in this field of work. The kind of people who are drawn to this type of career often benefit if they have the following:
- Commitment to morals and ethics: Working so closely with people’s lives and opportunities requires you to understand boundaries and moral obligations.
- Self-control: When faced with challenging situations, even hostility, you would need the ability to control your reactions.
- Creative problem-solving skills: You’ll be faced with unusual challenges that are unique to your client every day. You may need to be creative to overcome them.
- Decision-making skills: You will be responsible for making and following through with decisions frequently.
- Teamwork: You may work as part of a team of other health care and support workers.
A unique mindset is required to work with those who have disabilities. It is best to balance advocating for your client and empowering them to advocate for themselves. You will need to share responsibility and foster independence in others as much as possible.
The Benefits of Being a Community Disability Services Practitioner
What can you expect from a career assisting people with disabilities? Here are some of the benefits:
- High levels of purpose and personal fulfillment
- Flexible hours that can work around other commitments
- Health benefits with full-time positions
- Have a direct impact on your community and other people’s lives
View one of our student’s testimonial videos on why they become a Community Support Worker and why they choose to get their diploma with ABES college!
Learn at ABES College
Are you considering making a career out of helping people with disabilities in your community? ABES College offers an addiction and disability community support worker diploma. Speak to an admissions advisor today to discuss making a career out of supporting those in need in your community.